Anti-inflammatory drugs ‘could fight depression’ (The Guardian)

[inanna]

Scientists at seven UK universities are to set up a research consortium aimed at exploiting a newly discovered link between immune disorders and mental illness.

The connection raises hopes that anti-inflammatory drugs can be adapted to treat patients with depression or senile dementia.

The group – which involves researchers at Cambridge, Cardiff, Glasgow, Oxford, Southampton and Sussex and King’s College London – has been given £5m backing by the Wellcome Trust and pharmaceutical companies have also pledged support.

“Recent evidence has shown, overwhelmingly, that there is a link between depression and inflammation triggered by the body’s immune behaviour in the body,” said the consortium’s leader, neuroscientist Professor Ed Bullmore, of Cambridge University.

Link: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/dec/20/anti-inflammatory-drugs-could-fight-depression-immune-disorders

[enough]

1. Fascinating. May connect with a previous study about Tylenol and "existential dread."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130416085431.htm

Thinking about death can cause us to feel a sort of existential angst that isn't attributable to a specific source. Now, new research suggests that acetaminophen, an over-the-counter pain medication, may help to reduce this existential pain.

The research is published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

According to lead researcher Daniel Randles and colleagues at the University of British Columbia, the new findings suggest that Tylenol may have more profound psychological effects than previously thought:

"Pain extends beyond tissue damage and hurt feelings, and includes the distress and existential angst we feel when we're uncertain or have just experienced something surreal. Regardless of the kind of pain, taking Tylenol seems to inhibit the brain signal that says something is wrong."

snip> more at link

[inanna]

2. Guess it's time to stock up on tylenol.....

Interesting link. Thanks!

Saying "hi" to all in the group. I'm new here.

[elleng]

3. Hi, inanna,

and welcome.

[inanna]

4. Lots of good information in here....

and thank you for the welcome.